Resilient double axle railway car drive

ABSTRACT

A resilient double-axle drive for rail vehicles comprises a rail truck housing with longitudinally spaced transverse axles adjacent each end having hollow shafts therearound which are rotatably supported in the housing. A drive motor is arranged between the axles and includes a shaft extending outwardly from each end which rotates the hollow shafts through bevel gear connections. An elastic coupling is connected between each end of the hollow shaft and the associated axle and the elastic coupling includes two separate coupling parts having hub portions which are affixed to the hollow shaft and the associated axle respectively. Each hub portion includes arms which have offsets extending axially and which are alternately arranged with respect to arms of the associated hollow shaft or axle. The couplings are provided with resilient blocks between adjacent arms of the hollow shaft and axles respectively which are arranged between end plates located between the associated arm and the resilient blocks and, in addition, an extra plate member is arranged intermediate the block.

United States Patent 1191 Korn et al.

[ Jan. 14, 1975 RESILIENT DOUBLE AXLE RAILWAY CAR DRIVE 521 U.S. Cl ..105/131,105/117,105/135, 105/136 51 1111. c1. B61c 9 44, 1; f3 0 1 58] Field ofSearch ..IDS/131,132,132.1,136, 105/139,117, 135

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 470,516 3/1892 Sperry 105/131 568,779 10/1896 Lockwood.... 105/131 X 2,182,942 12/1939 Gee 105/131 X 2,277,835 3/1942 Alben.... 105/131 3,602,153 8/1971 Korn 105/117 X 3,626,862 12/1971 Korn et al..... 105/1321 X 3,661,096 5/1972 Kayserling 105/117 22 "Inn/Iii /fl Primary EXaminer-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant ExaminerHoward Beltran Attorney, Agent, or FirmMcGlew and Tuttle [57] ABSTRACT A resilient double-axle drive for rail vehicles comprises a rail truck housing with longitudinally spaced transverse axles adjacent each end having hollow shafts therearound which are rotatably supported in the housing. A drive motor is arranged between the axles and includes a shaft extending outwardly from each end which rotates the hollow shafts through bevel gear connections. An elastic coupling is connected between each end of the hollow shaft and the associated axle and the elastic coupling includes two separate coupling parts having hub portions which are affixed to the hollow shaft and the associated axle respectively. Each hub portion includes arms which have offsets extending axially and which are alternately arranged with respect to arms of the associated hollow shaft or axle. The couplings are provided with resilient blocks between adjacent arms of the hollow shaft and axles respectively which are arranged be tween end plates located between the associated arm and the resilient blocks and, in addition, an extra plate member is arranged intermediate the block.

12 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] JAN 1 M975 SHEET 10F 2 i l IE,

w m, WEI

RESILIENT DOUBLE AXLE RAILWAY CAR DRIVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to vehicle drive systems and, in particular, to a new and useful axle drive for rail vehicles and particularly a double-axle drive which includes a coupling for effecting drive between each end of a hollow shaft and an associated wheel axle. it

2. Description of the Prior Art Double-axle drives are known which include an electric motor which drives rearwardly to one or more wheel sets through bevel gears which are supported on the motor to a hollow shaft which surrounds the axle and is connected to the axle at each end by an elastic rubber coupling. In such constructions, however, the motor and the bevel gears are supported on the wheel axles by a bridge-like support structure and by lever couplings which comprise two parallel discs and an annular rubber body vulcanized therebetween. The construction is such that the couplings not only transmit the torque and absorb the stresses of the motor reaction but also carry the weight of the entire drive mechanism. With such a design, the stress to which the rubber in the coupling is subjected by the carriage weight is a shearing stress. However, because in the shearing direction, the rubber couplings stretch, the hollow shaft directly supporting the driving mechanism lowers relative to the wheel axles. At high speeds, this easily results in oscnatiaris'erresng therun of thetriickTTii addition, when the wheel sets cant, for example, while passing over obstacles which cause lifting on the track or bumping, the wheels impinge against the rail and a such couplings are subjected to an unfavorable compression. This increases the stress in the hollow shaft bearings and this effects the life thereof. In addition, in such cases, a canting or slanting of the wheels is possible only within small ranges because strong reaction forces are produced in the couplings. In order to prevent the canting or lowering of the hollow shafts under the weight of the driving mechanism, it is known to give the coupling discs at vaulted conically divergent or frusto-conical form. Such a design may, to a certain extent, eliminate the canting but in principle does not alter the unfavorable shear stressing of the rubber by the main load nor the relatively small canting which is possible with the wheel sets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a doubleaxle drive for rail vehicles includes an arrangement wherein a drive motor is arranged between the axles and includes a shaft extending in each direction which is connected to rotate hollow shafts which are rotatably supported in a housing of the drive truck around the axles of the wheels. An elastic rubber coupling of therebetween which are arranged in a predetermined or bias state.

With the inventive construction, the drawbacks of the known constructions are eliminated. The forces produced by the rate of the driving mechanism and by the slanting or canting of the wheels are absorbed by the rubber elements of the coupling in a far more favorable manner than the known structures. In addition, there is a greater possibility for the lateral play of the axles with respect to the driving units and thus, there is a reduction of the where of the wheel flanges.

The invention is based on a principle of pure torque transmission. All of the loads and forces acting on a coupling in a radial or circumferential direction, particularly the supporting forces accommodating the weight of the vehicle and the driving forces, are favorably absorbed by the rubber elements which are stressed in compression but not in shear. The elastic coupling provides a connection between the operating parts in a manner such that there is no canting of one part in respect to the other nor lowering of a part beyond an operational position. The rubber elements are subjected to shearing forces only when the axles are slanted or laterally displaced. Under this type of stress, the elastic blocks are less resilient, and this has proven to be favorable to accommodate for any canting and lateral motion of the wheel sets insofar as the reaction forces are correspondingly small. The life of the rubber blocks is therefore considerably extended as compared to the annular rubber disc elements which are known in the conventional couplings.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a double wheel axle drive and to provide an axle drive for a single axle which includes a coupling arranged between a hollow shaft which is driven by a drive motor and which is connected between each end of the hollow shaft and the wheel axle and which includes radially extending coupling arms affixed to each respective part which are spaced radially apart and which include resilient block members therebetween interconnecting the coupling parts. i

A further object of the invention is to provide a double axle drive wherein the motor is supported between two axles and has a drive shaft extending in each direction which is connected through bevel gearing to drive a hollow shaft arranged around each axle, the hollow shaft having a driving coupling at each end which is connected to the respective axle and each of which includes radially extending arms having elastic block elements therebetween interconnecting the arms of adjacent coupling parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and economical to manufacture.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made to the following description of a typical embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied therein, comprises a coupling drive system for a rail vehicle which includes a main drive motor 1, which is centrally arranged in a housing 2 between drive axles and 5' having rail wheels at each end.

In accordance with the invention, the motor includes a drive shaft 3 and 3' at respective ends having respective bevel drive gears and 20 which drive annular gears 22 and 22' respectively affixed to hollow shafts 4 and 4 which surround the central portion of respective axles 5 and 5. The rotation of the hollow shafts 4 and 4 by the motor 1 is transmitted to each axle 5 and 5' through couplings, which are generally designated 6.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, each coupling 6 includes a first coupling part 6a which has a hub portion 10 which is secured to a respective hollow shaft 4 and a second coupling portion 6b with a hub portion 11 which is secured to the axle 5. The coupling portion 6b includes radially extending arms 13 which are arranged alternately between radially extending arms 14 of the coupling part 6a and each arm is axially offset so that the outer ends thereof are axially aligned but spaced radially apart. A feature of the invention is also the provision of elastic block members, generally designated 7, which are arranged between opposed end faces of the outer ends of the respective arms 13 and 14 of the coupling parts. In the preferred arrangement, the block members 7 include plates 7a and 7d at respective circumferential ends which engage around the respective end faces of the arms 13 and 14 and which include end parts 7d which overlie the side edges of the blocks. In the preferred form, each block 7 includes an intermediate plate 7c, each edge part is also provided with a recess 7b forming an indentation to receive a fixing element 8 which is secured to an associated arm 13 or 14 by securing bolts 9. The provision of the end plates 7a with side edges 7d havingrecesses 7binsure that the position of the blocks will be secure in both radial and circumferential directions.

The dividing plates 7c which extend substantially parallel to the end surfaces of the arms between which the blocks are positioned are advantageously vulcanized to the block 7 as well as the end plate 7a. The intermediate plates 70 reduce the resilience of the blocks.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the ap plication of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

l. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles comprising a rail truck housing, first and second longitudinally spaced transverse wheeled axles rotatably supported on said truck housing, a hollow shaft rotatably supported on said truck housing and surrounding each axle, a drive motor on said truck housing located between said axles having a drive shaft at respective ends, gear means between each of said drive shafts and said hollow shafts at the respective ends of said motor to rotate said hollow shafts upon rotation of said drive shafts, and an elastic coupling connected adjacent each end of said hollow shaft to each first and second axle to rotate each of said axles, said elastic couplings including radially extending coupling arms with an inner hub portion secured to each of said axles and said hollow shafts respectively, with the arms secured to the hollow shafts being alternately circumferentially arranged with respect to the arms of said axles and having outer ends which are spaced apart radially, said coupling arms comprising spokes extending radially from their associated hub portions and resiliently interengaged to transmit driving force in a plane therebetween.

2. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said elastic blocks include a plate at each side face which is opposite to an adjacent coupling arm and which embraces the coupling arm and which is vulcanized to said block.

3. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 2, including a fixing piece carried by each of said coupling arms, said plates each having a recess accommodating said fixing piece, said fixing piece holding said plates in alignment.

4. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 1, including a central rigid plate disposed between said elastic block and being vulcanized thereto.

5. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said arms are axially offset and each arm has generally radially extending side faces, said blocks having a flat plate at each end in abutting engagement with a side face of a respective coupling arm and including a portion thereof which extends over a side edge of each of said coupling arms, a fixing member of rectangular configuration carried on each of said arms, said side portions of said block plates including a rectangular recess receiving said fixing member and holding said plates in position relative to said coupling arm.

6. A coupling for use in a drive between a hollow shaft surrounding a wheel axis and the wheel axle of a rail vehicle, comprising a first coupling part having a hub portion adapted to be connected to said hollow shaft and a second coupling part having a hub portion adapted to be connected to said axle, each of said hub portions including radially extending and'circumferentially spaced armswith the arms of one coupling part being radially offset from the arms of the other coupling part, the outer ends of said arms having opposed end faces, said coupling arm comprising spokes extending radially from the associated said hub portion and resiliently interengaged to transmit driving force in a substantial plane therebetween, and an elastic block member secured between adjacent arms of said first coupling part and said second coupling part.

7. A coupling, according to claim 6, wherein said arms of at least one coupling part is offset in a direction toward the other coupling part.

8. A coupling, according to claim 6, wherein said elastic block includes an end plate at each end arranged between said block and the adjacent coupling part arm, and a fixing member carried on each coupling arm engaged with said end plate and holding said plate with said block member in position.

9. A coupling, according to claim 8, wherein said fixing member comprises a rectangular part, said end plates of said elastic block having a recess receiving said fixing part and being locked therewith to hold said elastic block in position.

10. A coupling, according to claim 9, wherein said elastic block includes an intermediate rigid plate extending substantially radially, said end plates extending substantially radially and each including a side portion overlying a side of each associated coupling arm.

11. A drive for rail vehicles comprising a truck housing, a hollow shaft rotatably supported on said housing, a wheel axle extending through said hollow shaft, drive means on said housing connected to said hollow shaft to rotate said hollow shaft, a coupling connected be tween said hollow shaft and said axle for rotating said axle and for supporting said axle from said housing, said coupling including a first coupling part adapted to be connected to said hollow shaft and a second coupling part adapted to be connected to said axle, each including a hub portion with a plurality of radially extending arms with the arms of said one coupling part extending between the arms of the other coupling part, said coupling arm comprising spokes extending radially from the associated said hub portion and resiliently interengaged to transmit driving force in a substantial plane therebetween, and an elastic block member secured between adjacent arms.

12. A drive for rail vehicles, according to claim ll, wherein said elastic block member includes a plate at each end extending substantially radially and disposed between said elastic block member and said coupling part arms, and means on said arms for fixing said plate and said elastic block member in position. 

1. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles comprising a rail truck housing, first and second longitudinally spaced transverse wheeled axles rotatably supported on said truck housing, a hollow shaft rotatably supported on said truck housing and surrounding each axle, a drive motor on said truck housing located between said axles having a drive shaft at respective ends, gear means between each of said drive shafts and said hollow shafts at the respective ends of said motor to rotate said hollow shafts upon rotation of said drive shafts, and an elastic coupling connected adjacent each end of said hollow shaft to each first and second axle to rotate each of said axles, said elastic couplings including radially extending coupling arms with an inner hub portion secured to each of said axles and said hollow shafts respectively, with the arms secured to the hollow shafts being alternately circumferentially arranged with respect to the arms of said axles and having outer ends which are spaced apart radially, said coupling arms comprising spokes extending radially from their associated hub portions and resiliently interengaged to transmit driving force in a plane therebetween.
 2. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said elastic blocks include a plate at each side face which is opposite to an adjacent coupling arm and which embraces the coupling arm and which is vulcanized to said block.
 3. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 2, including a fixing piece carried by each of said coupling arms, said plates each having a recess accommodating said fixing piece, said fixing piece holding said plates in alignment.
 4. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 1, including a central rigid plate disposed between said elastic block and being vulcanized thereto.
 5. A double-axle drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said arms are axially offset and each arm has generally radially extending side faces, said blocks having a flat plate at each end in abutting engagement with a side face of a respective coupling arm and including a portion thereof which extends over a side edge of each of said coupling arms, a fixing member of rectangular configuration carried on each of said arms, said side portions of said block plates including a rectangular recess receiving said fixing member and holding said plates in position relative to said coupling arm.
 6. A coupling for use in a drive between a hollow shaft surrounding a wheel axis and the wheel axle of a rail vehicle, comprising a first coupling part having a hub portion adapted to be connected to said hollow shaft and a second coupling part having a hub portion adapted to be connected to said axle, each of said hub portions including radially extending and circumferentially spaced arms with the arms of one coupling part being radially offset from the arms of the other coupling part, the outer ends of said arms having opposed end faces, said coupling arm comprising spokes extending radially from the associated said hub portion and resiliently interengaged to transmit driving force in a substantial plane therebetween, and an elastic block member secured between adjacent arms of said first coupling part and said second coupling part.
 7. A coupling, according to claim 6, wherein said arms of at least one coupling part is offset in a direction toward the other coupling part.
 8. A coupling, according to claim 6, wherein said elastic block includes an end plate at each end arranged between said block and the adjacent coupling part arm, and a fixing member carried on each coupling arm engaged with said end plate and holding said plate with said block member in position.
 9. A coupling, according to claim 8, wherein said fixing member comprises a rectangular part, said end plates of said elastic block having a recess receiving said fixing part and being locked therewith to hold said elastic block in position.
 10. A coupling, according to claim 9, wherein said elastic block includes an intermediate rigid plate extending substantially radially, said end plates extending substantially radially and each including a side portion overlying a side of each associated coupling arm.
 11. A drive for rail vehicles comprising a truck housing, a hollow shaft rotatably supported on said housing, a wheel axle extending through said hollow shaft, drive means on said housing connected to said hollow shaft to rotate said hollow shaft, a coupling connected between said hollow shaft and said axle for rotating said axle and for supporting said axle from said housing, said coupling including a first coupling part adapted to be connected to said hollow shaft and a second coupling part adapted to be connected To said axle, each including a hub portion with a plurality of radially extending arms with the arms of said one coupling part extending between the arms of the other coupling part, said coupling arm comprising spokes extending radially from the associated said hub portion and resiliently interengaged to transmit driving force in a substantial plane therebetween, and an elastic block member secured between adjacent arms.
 12. A drive for rail vehicles, according to claim 11, wherein said elastic block member includes a plate at each end extending substantially radially and disposed between said elastic block member and said coupling part arms, and means on said arms for fixing said plate and said elastic block member in position. 